Dan & I flew from Seoul, South Korea to Tokyo, Japan last December on Asiana Airlines, our first flight on this carrier. Since we flew on Asiana Airlines, our Priority Pass permitted us entry into the Asiana Business Lounge, which was super nice and an unexpected treat before our flight. Note that we visited pre-COVID-19, and I am not certain of the Asiana Lounge’s current operations.
A picture of us in Seoul.
ACCESS
The Asiana Business Lounge is located airside in the East Wing of the Incheon International Airport (an hour from Seoul), post security and post passport control. Its very close to Gate 11.
Entrance from the terminal near Gate 11.
Upon clearing security and immigration, we proceeded to the lounge entrance, which was quite elaborate. So much, in fact, we were not sure we would be admitted entrance with just our Priority Pass and an economy Asiana ticket. In any case, on opening the lounge door, we were greeted with this bright escalator. It kind of felt like a Cruel Intentions moment.
Welcome to the Asiana Business Lounge.
At the top of the escalator, we showed the checkin desk our ticket and Priority Pass and we were let right in. Success!
THE LOUNGE
On the inside, the Asiana Business Lounge is huge with floor to ceiling windows overlooking the runway. Great plane spotting. In general, the lounge spacious and rectangular shaped. Many types of seating area available, from bar seating over looking the runway, to tables set up in the kitchen, to private square chairs over looking the runway, to groups of chairs/sofas perfect for families or groups, and private work cubicles. We set up on the bar overlooking the runway because it was close to the food. However, when we visited, we had our choice of seating, as the lounge was largely empty.
Asiana Business Lounge.
Nice, modern set up.
Seating near the bar area.
Seating in the food area.
Private cubicles.
More seating options.
FOOD OFFERINGS
All of the food options in the Asiana Business Lounge are set up in a kitchen area, located at the far end of the lounge from the entrance. When we visited, Asiana had a decently sized buffet with both hot and cold food offerings. The food was put out frequently and staff was constantly cleaning in this area. In addition to the buffet offerings, boxed noodles were also available. I would describe the food as international with a Korean flair. There were definitely Korean things on the menu, but anyone traveling through this lounge should be able to find something somewhat familiar to eat. Plus, Korean food is really good!
Cold buffet – salad fixings and pasta in red sauce.
Ham & cheese and seafood salad sandwiches. These may look underwhelming, but they were so tasty.
Boxed noodles. Just add hot water.
One of two soups on offer. The other was a Cream of Mushroom style soup.
Stir fry pork and noodles with vegetables.
Fried chicken wings and grilled chicken in vegetables. The fried chicken was good.
DRINK OFFERINGS
In the food area, self-service soda, juices, espresso drinks, tea, water, etc. are available for guests. If you want alcohol, a self-service bar is located at the opposite end of the lounge from the food. On offer when we visited were several bottles of liquor, wine, and the coolest self-serve Max draft beer contraption! It was a nice set up. I only had one glass of red wine, but I certainly could have spent more time here.
The bar area.
Up close of some options.
More.
Draught beer. Basically, place your glass on this contraption and it fills it up with beer.
Explanation for the draught beer. I would later get to try this in a Tokyo lounge!
OTHER AMENITIES
Aside from food, drink, and space, the Asiana Business Lounge offers some other nice amenities. First, good wifi everywhere and lots of outlets for charging electronics. There are also several large TVs around the lounge playing either sports or international news, as well as a number of magazines and news papers. But, the best amenity in my opinion are the personal massage chairs in the lounge! Yes, there were a couple massage chairs in private cubicles. I didn’t see these until the end, or I certainly would have made use of it! The Asiana Business Lounge also offers showers, but we did not use them on our visit.
International Departures.
Magazines.
Sports.
STEAL OUR LOUNGE
Asiana Business Lounge: Incheon International Airport. Airside, East Wing, post passport control, near Gate 11. Priority Pass members receive complimentary access only when flying with Asiana Airlines and Star Alliance operated flights. Business class flyers flying on Asiana or a Star Alliance flight receive access. Asiana Diamond Plus members receive access with one guest even if flying economy, as do Star Alliance Gold members. Economy Smartium passengers taken an Asiana Airlines A350 long-distance flight (to the US, Europe, or Australia) also receive access.